Word Meaning
ए'तिबार
e'tibaar
Meaning
Trust, faith, reliance, confidence, or taking something to be real.
Detailed Meaning
In classical poetry, 'e'tibaar' primarily denotes faith, belief, or reliance. In this couplet by Mir Taqi Mir, it conveys the idea of positing reality or projecting subjective belief onto an illusory world ('tawahhum ka karkhana'). Reality exists only insofar as one credits or trusts in it.
Etymology
Arabic origin, derived from the triconsonantal root 'ʿ-b-r' (ع-ب-ر) on the Form VIII verbal noun measure 'iftiʿāl' (إِعْتِبَار), denoting contemplation, taking heed, credit, or reliance.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, 'e'tibaar' frequently serves as a motif exploring the fragile trust between lovers, or the metaphysical doubt surrounding the reality of existence.
Examples
Tere va'de pe kahan tak koi aitibar kare
Ye sara khel to faqat aitibar ka tha